Riga, 1930. Educated unemployed Olgerts, who knows English, French and Latin, works different types of casual jobs. Together with his friend, tramp Fridis, they sometimes work for small entrepreneurs the Kalnkajas family. Mr.Kalnkaja dreams of becoming member of parliament. Olgerts feel responsible for the fate of Emma, who has just come out of prison. He helps to get her a maid's position in the Kalnkaja household.